If you want to refresh the look of your kitchen quickly, try painting your cabinets instead of replacing them.The trick to dealing with laminate is to properly prepare it.The handles and hinges need to be updated for the nicer cabinets.
Step 1: Drop cloths or tarps are used to protect the cabinets.
This is important if you are painting near appliances or carpets that could be damaged by paint.If you want to drape a plastic tarp over the counter, lay a drop cloth on the floor.Drop cloths can be made from old bed sheets.If you're worried about the paint soaking through, use multiple layers.To protect the counter, you can tape large sheets of craft paper on top of it, covering it all the way from the edges to the wall.You can protect the wall behind the cabinets with painter's tape.
Step 2: If it is possible, remove the cabinet doors.
If the doors are easy to remove, take them off the cabinets.It will make it easier to paint them, and it will also protect the furniture around them from drips or splatters.They can be set on a bench for painting.You should label the doors to remember where they go.You can write the door location on the back with a pencil or marker.To catch drips, lay a drop cloth under the bench.
Step 3: Hardware, like handles or hinges, should be taken off.
This prevents the pieces from getting paint on them and also allows you to roll paint over the doors without having to edge around knobs or pulls.Hardware can be easily removed with a screwdriver.If you can't remove the hardware, cover it with painter's tape.Press the tape around the areas you do not want painted so that the paint doesn't get in the way.
Step 4: Grease and grime can be removed with a cleaning solvent.
TSP is a popular cleaning solution.It helps the paint stick to the cabinet by removing grease and the glossy finish.Rub the surface of the cabinets with a cloth.You can find xylol or a substitute in hardware or paint stores.Gloves are used to protect your hands.In case of fumes, you might want to wear a mask.If you use a chemical cleaner, wipe it off with a damp cloth before drying it on a towel.The paint will not stick to the cabinet.
Step 5: The cabinets need to be sanded to get rid of the gloss.
The paint and primer can adhere better if the cabinets are sanded.If you choose a sandpaper that is between 150 and 220 grit, you will be able to scratch the cabinets without damaging them.The electric sander is too intense and will likely over-sand the cabinets.When sanding, wear a mask and protective eyewear.If necessary, wipe the cabinets with a damp cloth.
Step 6: Roll on at least one coat of primer.
A bonding primer that is oil-based creates a surface that the paint can stick to and prevents it from chipping easily.If your cabinets are glossy, you can apply multiple coats with a foam roller.On the package, the primer might say for shiny surfaces or glossy surfaces.If you notice the primer is streaky when you apply it, that means it isn't adhering to the laminate very well.If it's still wet, use a different primer and wipe off what you've already applied.Sand it off if it's already wet.If you are painting your cabinets a darker shade, you should have your primer tinted.It reduces the number of coats you have to paint.You can tint your primer at any paint store.
Step 7: The primer should be dry for at least three hours.
If you don't know how long to let your primer dry, follow this rule of thumb.The primer should be dry on the packaging.Primers can dry in as little as 30 minutes.To diffuse the fumes from the primer, open a few windows or use a fan.You can buy fast-drying primer at a paint store or hardware store.Check that it is compatible with the paint you are using.If the primer is drying and you can scratch it off with your fingernail, you probably shouldn't paint over it.
Step 8: You can paint 2 to 3 thin coats with a roller.
You can saturate the roller by pouring your paint into a tray.Roll on even, thinner coats.You will end up pulling off the previous coat if you don't make sure the next coat is dry.The doors, sides, top, and bottom should be covered.You can use a paintbrush instead of a roller, but it will take much longer to see brushstrokes.You should be able to add a new coat after 4 hours of dry time.If you notice bubbles or bumps, you should put sand in between the coats.
Step 9: You can use a paintbrush to get to hard-to-reach places.
While rollers are easy and practical for flat surfaces like the sides and doors of the cabinet, you will need a smaller paintbrush to coat the edges or borders.Paint with long, steady strokes.If you don't have a paintbrush, you can use a small watercolor brush.When you paint your final coat, it's best to do this.You don't have to dry the final coat before touching up.
Step 10: Allow the paint to dry for up to 8 hours.
To find the exact dry time for your brand, check your paint can.When the paint doesn't feel tacky to the touch, you know it's dry.You don't want to nick the paint if you wait longer than the recommended dry time.To be safe, leave them to sit overnight.
Step 11: If you want to protect your cabinets, you should apply a coat of polycrylic.
A layer of polycrylic will make your paint job last longer and prevent chips.After the paint has dried, brush it on and let the sealant dry.It is possible to use furniture wax or any other paint sealant.Similar to paint, Sealants come in different finishes.If you choose semi-gloss, your cabinets will have a slight sheen to them.If you want to show fingerprints, avoid eggshell or matt finish.Polycrylic takes about 24 hours to fully dry.Attach the cabinet doors back to their original location, and then clean up any drop cloths, protective paper, or painter's tape that you used.
Step 12: The hardware should be on a cloth or tarp.
To protect the space where you're spraying, place the pieces on something you don't mind getting paint on.Remember to spray paint outside or in aventilated area so you don't inhale fumes.Attach hinges, knobs, and pulls to a thick piece of cardboard.The hardware stands up without you having to hold it.
Step 13: Let the primer dry for at least 3 hours.
The spray paint will rub off of handles if you don't use primer.The entire piece of hardware should be sprayed with a thin coat.If you feel it is necessary, spray another coat.Before you start spraying, make sure to shake the primer thoroughly.An oil-based primer is good for metal.Wait until the primer is completely dry before painting the hardware.If you can't remove the hardware, use a paintbrush to apply a primer.
Step 14: Attach the hardware with 2 to 3 coats of paint.
The can should be held from the hardware at about 20 to 30 cm.Move the paint back and forth as you spray to keep it from clumping together.Wait for each coat to dry before spraying it.Before you use the can, shake it for a full minute.You could get a smooth texture if you didn't.You should be able to apply the next coat after about 2 hours of dry time.If you get drips on your pieces, sand them off with a fine, 150 to 220 grit sandpaper.If hardware can't be removed, apply paint with a small paintbrush.
Step 15: Paint should be dry for at least 6 hours.
Instructions on how long the paint needs to dry should be in the spray paint can.Cool temperatures and high humidity make it hard for paint to dry.Try to set your hardware in a warm place.If you want to prevent chips or smudges, you can spray a sealant over the paint.Wait until the paint is completely dry.For cabinets that are often opened and closed, choose an enamel sealant.
Step 16: Attach the hardware to the cabinets.
Attach the pulls or knobs to the cabinet doors.They need to be attached securely so they don't fall off.Remove any painter's tape you used while painting.If your hardware gets damaged over time, repeat the painting process to fix it.